Released 03/02/2021 - Joint media release
The ACT Government welcomes the Federal Government granting environmental approval for the construction of Stage 2A of light-rail from Alinga St to Commonwealth Park.
This is an important milestone in progressing Stage 2 of light rail to Woden which will secure more than 1000 jobs.
The ACT Government is getting on with the design Stage 2 of light rail, with funding secured through the ACT Budget.
In 2020-21 budget, the ACT Government will invest $2.1 million on early works design to raise London Circuit with construction to commence as early as 2021/22.
Raising London Circuit is a crucial enabling project for light rail Stage 2A, and will improve the urban realm and pedestrian and cycling access between the CBD, City West, Acton and the Acton Waterfront.
The project will raise the London Circuit road level on either side of Commonwealth Avenue taking around two years to complete. It involves changing the current split-level, overpass-underpass configuration into a level intersection.
The 2020-21 Budget also delivers funding to assess the benefits of extending light rail even further from Woden to Mawson.
Attributable to Minister for Transport Chris Steel
Light rail is central to delivering Canberra’s integrated transport network to meet future population growth and support a sustainable and liveable city for all Canberrans.
Light Rail to Woden will serve key employment, tourist and cultural institutions north and south of Lake Burley Griffin, before extending on to the Woden Town Centre.
Whilst Federal EPBC approvals have been obtained for Stage 2A including Raising London Circuit, further planning approvals are required for the project from the National Capital Authority and the ACT Planning and Land Authority.
The EPBC approval process is also currently underway for the Stage 2B extension from Commonwealth Park to Woden and is expected to take up to 18 months. Studies required for these approvals include detailed analysis of the route, environmental and heritage assessments, and consultation with a range of local and Federal stakeholders.
The construction of Light Rail to Woden is part of the government’s $14 billion ACT Infrastructure Plan which includes a strong pipeline of works for the next few decades that will help to create more local jobs and support our city’s economic recovery.
The ACT Government is committed to providing a well-connected public transport network, high quality walking and cycling infrastructure and connecting people to our local and regional centres.
Light rail is powered by 100% renewable electricity and is part of the Territory’s commitment to a zero-emission government by 2040.
This initiative progresses the ACT Government’s commitment to build Light Rail Stage 2 to Woden through the Parliamentary Agreement of the 10th Legislative Assembly.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases